System and method for establishing voice and data connection

ABSTRACT

A system and method for improved voice and data communication is described. One embodiment includes a method for data communication with an end user, the method comprising connecting to an agent device; receiving a data session request from the agent device, wherein the data session request comprises a target telephone number; establishing a data session with an end-user device associated with the target telephone number; and transmitting data messages between the end-user device and the agent device using the data session.

PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/794,602, filed Jun. 4, 2010, entitled “System and Method forEstablishing Voice and Data Connection,” which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/217,823, filed Jun. 5, 2009,entitled “Voice/Data Method and System for Mobile Phone Users,” both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to voice and data communication. Inparticular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relatesto systems and methods for linking a voice call and a datacommunication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's modern communication environment, individuals frequently usevoice and data communications devices from their homes, offices, andwhile on the go. As the infrastructure of these communications there isan embedded telephone network and Internet infrastructure that existseparately. Accordingly, applications are typically designed for oneenvironment or the other. As a result, it's difficult to have unifiedvoice/data interaction using applications currently available such asweb browsing, SMS chat, MMS chat and others. These systems require usersand businesses to deal with separate applications with separateinterfaces and addressing mechanisms.

Furthermore, applications, like Skype and Vonage, that do attempt tobridge the telephone and Internet environments, do so in a way thatprovides for voice capability but not data capability, except forend-to-end calls within the network. These latter types of calls areobviously not commonplace in business settings. Other applications, suchas WebEx and similar services, allow users to logon and participate inremote presentations with a separate voice call. However, the amount oftime required for set-up, log-in, and dialing-in, makes these servicesunusable in numerous applications.

Although present devices are functional, they are not sufficientlyaccurate or otherwise satisfactory. Accordingly, a system and method areneeded to address the shortfalls of present technology and to provideother new and innovative features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are shown in thedrawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are morefully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to beunderstood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventionto the forms described in this Summary of the Invention or in theDetailed Description. One skilled in the art can recognize that thereare numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructionsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed inthe claims.

The present invention can provide a system and method for linking voiceand data communications. In one exemplary embodiment, the presentinvention can include a method for voice and data communication, themethod comprising connecting to a session server; receiving a voice callfrom an end-user; receiving an end-user phone number for the end-user;transmitting a session request to the session server, wherein thesession request is based on the end-user phone number; and communicatingwith the end-user over a session established through the session server.In this method, receiving the end-user phone number may compriseautomatically receiving the end-user phone number, such as through ANIor Caller-ID supplied from the PSTN or other voice network, or theend-user phone number may received from voice or DTMF responses from theend-user. The method may further include receiving a payload from thesession server, wherein the payload includes information related to theend-user that may be used to help control processing for the end-user.The method may also include assessing performance of the session (e.g.,assessing the types and qualities of connections for the session); andadjusting communications with the end-user based on the performance ofthe session.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include asystem for voice and data communication, the system comprising an agentdevice, wherein the agent device is configured for receiving a voicecall from an end-user; transmitting a session request to a sessionserver, wherein the session request comprises an end-user phone number;and communicating with the end-user over a session established throughthe session server. In one embodiment, this system may comprise a meansfor receiving (e.g., PBX, PBX/ACD, IVR, agent workstation, etc.) theend-user phone number automatically supplied from the PSTN or othervoice network (such as with ANI or Caller-ID).

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include amethod for establishing data communication, the method comprising:connecting to an at least one agent device; receiving an end-usernotification from an end-user device for an end-user, wherein theend-user notification comprises an end-user telephone number; receivinga session request from the at least one agent device, wherein thesession request comprises a target telephone number; and establishing asession between the at least one agent device and the end-user devicewhen the end-user telephone number matches the target telephone number.In another embodiment, the present invention may include a computerreadable medium encoded with instructions for performing this method.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include asystem for establishing data communications, the system comprising: atleast one end-user device port for establishing a connection withend-user devices; an at least one agent device port for establishing aconnection with agent devices; and an at least one data structure forindexing connections with the end-user devices and for indexingconnections with the agent devices, wherein the connections withend-user devices are indexed based on end-user phone numbers provided bythe end-user devices, and wherein the connections with agent devices areindexed based on an at least one account number for the agent devices.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include amethod for providing an account with information related to an end-userprior to a voice call from the end-user, the method comprising:launching an end-user application; generating a payload, wherein thepayload comprises information related to an end-user including theend-user phone number, and wherein the payload further comprisesinformation identifying an account; transmitting the payload, whereinthe information identifying the account can be used to transmit thepayload to the account. In another embodiment, the present invention maycomprise a computer readable medium with instructions for performingthis method.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include amethod for voice and data communication between an end-user device andan agent device, the method comprising: initiating a voice call to theagent device over a voice path; and connecting to a data session withthe agent device over a data path.

As previously stated, the above-described embodiments andimplementations are for illustration purposes only. Numerous otherembodiments, implementations, and details of the invention are easilyrecognized by those of skill in the art from the following descriptionsand claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of thepresent invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by referenceto the following Detailed Description and to the appended claims whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for voice and data communicationconsistent with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary system for voice and datacommunication consistent with the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system for voice and data communicationsimilar to FIG. 2, but wherein the end-user device comprises a separatedata device and voice device.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system for voice and data communicationbetween user-devices consistent with the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a user-device consistent with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an application view consistent with the presentinvention, wherein an end-user application is a selectable applicationon an end-user device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface view consistent with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary user interface view consistent with thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary user interface view consistent with thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a call center, or account side, infrastructureconsistent with the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flow chart consistent with the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary flow chart consistent with thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram consistent with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides systems and methods to allow two partiesto communicate over a data session. In a preferred embodiment, thepresent invention includes systems and methods to allow two parties toreceive visual information and other data during an ordinary phone call.This includes systems, devices, software applications, and acommunication protocol that enable joining a voice call with anassociated data connection (also referred to as a data session) to allowan end-user to speak with another party while that party shares visualinformation in real time that is relevant to the call. In oneembodiment, the other party may be a live agent (at an agentworkstation) in a contact center or the other party may be aninteractive voice response (IVR) system. In another embodiment, theother party may be another end-user.

In addition, the present invention provides systems and methods forcontext-specific end-user information, called ‘payload,’ to be deliveredto the called party, so that the called party can understand the contextof the call in order to control call processing. For example, thepayload might allow for a voice call to be routed differently, or mayprovide a live agent with basic information about the call so that thelive agent can answer the call appropriately. Both of these capabilitiesoffer significant gains in phone calls relating to efficiency,understanding and accuracy.

In another embodiment, where an agent (live agent or IVR) calls anend-user, the present invention allows the agent to quickly and easilyshare visual information with the end-user. This can allow for moreeffective communication to improve sales, technical support, or otherapplications.

The present invention can make use of the existing phone capabilitiesand the existing Internet capabilities. One novel aspect of the presentinvention is the protocol and software programs that build on theexisting voice and data infrastructure. The present invention has theadvantage that existing devices, such as mobile devices, Internetenabled devices, agent workstations, and IVR systems, can be modifiedusing software changes to add the new and novel capabilities. Forexample, end-user devices (such as smartphones, laptops, desktopcomputer, etc.) can be configured with a self-contained application thatintegrates voice, data and messaging functions in a simple andconvenient user interface.

System Architecture Overview

Referring now to the drawings, where like or similar elements aredesignated with identical reference numerals throughout the severalviews, and referring in particular to FIGS. 1-4, illustrated areexemplary system architectures consistent with the present invention. Ingeneral, FIGS. 1-4 shows an end-user device 1000 configured for bothvoice and data communication with an account side 2000, wherein theaccount side includes agent devices 2100 (such as agent workstation(s)2110 and/or interactive voice response unit(s) (IVR) 2120). As shown,the end-user device 1000 and agent device 2100 may be configured forvoice communication (dotted lines) over a Public Switched TelephoneNetwork (PSTN), a VoIP network and/or some other voice networkconnection. In addition, the end-user device 1000 and agent device 2100may be configured for parallel data communication via a session server3000. In some embodiments, the session server 3000 can connect to theend-user device(s) 1000 and the agent device(s) 2100 via a dynamicsocket connection. In a preferred embodiment, the session server 3000uses the end-user phone number as the addressing mechanism forestablishing connections. The data communication between the end-userdevice 1000 and agent device 2100 may take the form of a single datamessage and/or a live data session where the end-user and agent caninteract in real-time. In some embodiments, a session gateway 4000 maybe used to provide an interface between the session server 3000 and anIVR 2120. These components are described in greater detail below.

End-User Device Overview

In some embodiments, the end-user device 1000 may comprise a singledata-and-voice device, such as a smartphone. (See FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.) Inother embodiments, the end-user device 1000 may comprise a separatevoice device (such as a traditional landline telephone or a cellularphone) and a data device (such as a desktop computer, laptop computer,personal digital assistant, or other Internet connection enabled devicesuch as Apple Computer's iPad and iPod). (See FIG. 3.) The use of acertain type of end-user device 1000 in any one of the exemplaryarchitectures in FIGS. 1-4 is for explanation and example only and isnot intended to limit the present invention. Those of skill in the artwill understand that various end-user device 1000 options are compatiblewith various system architectures, and various methods, consistent withthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 as an example, in some embodiments the end-userdevice 1000 may be configured for voice and/or data communication over acellular network, such as a Global System for Mobile Communication(GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data for globalevolution (EDGE), code division multiple access (CDMA), or wide CDMA(WCDMA) system. In addition, the end-user device 1000 in FIG. 2 may alsobe configured for a wired Internet connection or wireless Internetconnection through a local area network (LAN), such as through a 802.11access device. In a preferred embodiment, the end-user device 1000 iscapable of voice and data communication at the same time. Simultaneousvoice and data communication may be accomplished by, for example, usinga third-generation (3G) mobile device within a 3G network, or using adual transceiver device for cellular voice communication at the sametime as a wireless LAN connection. Other devices, such as Class A GPRSdevices that allow GSM and GPRS service at the same time (whether usingdual transceivers or using a dual transfer mode (DTM) feature) ordevices that are capable of a wired Internet connection at the same timeas a voice call, may also be used consistent with the present invention.It is noted, however, that simultaneous voice and data communication isnot required. In some embodiments, as described in greater detail below,the end-user device 1000 may be used for only data communication duringone period of time, and only voice communication during another periodof time.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 2, except that theend-user device 1000 in FIG. 3 comprises two separate devices. As shown,a voice device 1010, such as a landline telephone, cellular phone,smartphone, etc., is used for voice communication and anInternet-connection-enabled data device 1020 is used for datacommunication. It is notable that the voice device 1010 may be capableof voice and data communication, but an end-user may prefer to use theseparate data device 1020 for various reasons. For example, an end-usermay have a smartphone that is configured for use consistent with thepresent invention, but the end-user may still elect to use a homecomputer for data communication because of the end-user's personalpreference in ease of operation.

FIG. 5 provides a block diagram of an exemplary smartphone that may beused as an end-user device 1000 consistent with the present invention.The end-user device 1000 in this embodiment may comprise a wirelesscommunications subsystem 1100, an audio I/O subsystem 1200, and a userinterface subsystem 1300 (including a display controller 1310 and inputcontroller 1320), which are all connected to a processor 1500 through amain interface 1400. A display 1311 and input device 1321 are connectedto the user interface subsystem 1300. It should be noted that thedisplay 1311 and input device 1321 may be the same structure—such as atouch screen.

For purposes of the present invention, the end-user device 1000 may bemodified to include an end-user application 1610 stored in memory 1600which provides instructions consistent with the present invention. Theend-user application 1610 may be one of many applications (e.g., phoneapplication 1620, camera application 1630 and global locationapplication 1640) on the end-user device 1000. In one embodiment, suchas in FIG. 5, the end-user application 1610 may be loaded as anapplication (“End-User Application”) on a smartphone. The end-userapplication 1610 facilitates receiving and displaying material fromanother user (e.g., an agent) and generating and transmitting materialto the other user (e.g., menu selections or data entry in response toagent inquiries). In one embodiment, the material transferred mayprimarily consist of pages (referenced by URL), text messages and files,where pages and files may be HTML, PDF, JPG, Word, Excel, text, andother types. In one embodiment, the pages can be displayed within thesession window and text messages can be displayed in a chat window.

FIGS. 6-9 show exemplary embodiments of the present invention where asession window displays information received from an agent device 2100.In FIG. 7, a live agent has provided an end-user with an image of aproduct while simultaneously inquiring with the caller if it is thecorrect product. FIG. 8 shows menu elements received from an agentdevice 2100, such as an IVR 2120. For a touch screen end-user device1000, the menu elements may be tappable menu elements. For a non-touchscreen, the menu elements may be configured by the end-user applicationto be selectable using a physical user interface. In addition to menuelements, data entry fields may be present on pages sent from the agent,thus allowing the end-user to easily input information during the call.FIG. 8 shows an embodiment where the end-user has received menu elementsabout bill pay options and a menu element allowing the end-user to see acopy of the bill to make sure everything is correct before paying.Moreover, the chat or text features allow the end-user to send inquiriesabout the menu options the caller has been presented. Given the lack ofa physical keyboard for this end-user device 1000, a touch screenkeyboard may temporarily occupy a portion of the screen in order toallow the end-user to enter the text message.

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of an end-user interface. Inthis embodiment, an end-user could be communicating with a live agentfor purchasing shoes. The screen may allow the caller to select certainoptions, or it may display options selected by the agent based on theconversation with the end-user. A text box can allow the end-user to askquestions, or the same questions could be made using a voice connection.

In some embodiments, material displayed during a session can be storedlocally within the application for future reference using a Historycapability. This is especially useful when the call relays informationthat will be referenced at a later time. FIG. 7 shows a “Add to History”button that will allow the end-user to save the current image, document,etc.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the end-user application may comprise modulesfor handling these various functions. For example, a communicationinstructions module 1614 may be used to provide instructions fortranslating incoming data communications received by the wirelesscommunications subsystem 1100 from the session server 3000, and forproperly formatting any outgoing messages. The GUI instructions module1613 may be used to provide instructions for displaying receivedinformation, and for processing responses received from the end-user.The history module 1612 may be used to store certain data from a datasession, and the end-user profile module 1611 may be used to storeinformation related to certain device users. The illustrated modules forthe end-user application 1610 are exemplary only and are describedaccording to function. The modules could be grouped differently,including combining some of the current modules into a single module, orfurther dividing the modules into several different software modules.

Agent Device Overview

Also shown in FIGS. 1-3 are agent devices 2100, including agentworkstation(s) 2110 and IVR(s) 2120. An agent workstation 2110 maycomprise a computer terminal 2111 and telephone 2112 for data and voicecommunication, respectively. Those of skill in the art will be readilyaware of various agent workstation 2110 setups that may be usedconsistent with the present invention, including an integratedworkstation where voice communication is directed through theworkstation, and wherein the workstation operates with a headset orother audio input/output device. As is shown in the FIGURES, agentdevice 2100 may also include IVR(s) 2120, or voice response units,modified such that the IVR 2120 can also handle an interactive datasession. In some embodiments, a session gateway 4000 is connected to theIVR(s) 2120, wherein the session gateway 4000 is used to provide aninterface between the session server 3000 and the IVR(s) 2120. A sessiongateway 4000 may comprise an application running on an Internet server,wherein there is a session gateway 4000 for each IVR 2120. In this way,a single Internet server may include multiple session gateways 40000 tohandle multiple IVRs 2120. Although the session gateway 4000 is shown asa separate device in the figures, the session gateway 4000 may also beincorporated as a software module within the session server 3000.

A unique connection protocol is employed as an element of the inventionfor establishing inter-process connections and conveying informationbetween end-user devices 1000 and the session server 3000, between agentdevices 2100 and the session server 3000, and between a session gateway4000 and an IVR 2120. In an exemplary embodiment, this connectionprotocol makes use of TCP/IP to maintain compatibility with the Internetinfrastructure and uses a dynamic socket approach to establish theconnections. Within each connection, information is conveyed usingvarious asynchronous control, status and data messages specificallydefined to implement the various aspects of the system. For theinterface between a session gateway 4000 and an IVR 2120, a singlemultiplexed connection can be used as the means to implement thenumerous individual connections, each between a specific IVR phone portand its associated virtual agent device 2100 on the session gateway3000.

In FIG. 10 an exemplary call center infrastructure consistent with anembodiment of the present invention is shown. In FIG. 10 agentworkstations 2110 and IVRs 2120 are connected to the PSTN through aprivate branch exchange (PBX) 2200 with automatic call distribution(ACD) functionality. In another embodiment, the IVRs 2120 and/or agentworkstations 2110 may have trunk or line connections to the PSTN orother voice network. In addition to the voice communication, the agentworkstations 2110 and IVRs 2120 are configured for data communication,and establishing a data connection, with a session server 3000. A calltelephony integration (CTI) server 2300 is also shown. As is understoodin the art, the CTI server 2300 may be used to collect informationgenerated during a voice communication with the IVR 2120 and pass theinformation to a agent workstation 2110 during call transfer. Inaddition, in some embodiments of the present invention the CTI server2300 may be used to collect information generated during a data sessionbetween agent device 2100 and end-user device 1000. Consistent with thepresent invention, many other call center technologies may beincorporated, and many changes and variations may be made to thisexemplary system in FIG. 10.

For the agent workstations 2110, an agent application may be installedfor use with the present invention. An agent application can offer arange of tools and interfaces to make information sharing as easy aspossible. For example, in one embodiment the agent interface maycomprise a session window that can be populated with information or canbe moved as a frame to capture a portion of the agent's display.Anything being viewed by the agent in the session window can be sent tothe caller by means of a button click or hot key. In another embodiment,the agent can capture and move visual content directly to the agentapplication from some other application or window on the agentworkstation 2110 without employing a session window.

Ways for the agent to select and capture visual content to send to theend-user could include:

-   -   Selecting html, txt, pdf, image and other files from a        predefined list.    -   Drag-and-drop of elements from scripts, documents, or other        applications on the agent workstation.    -   Direct entry of a URL, text message or file name in the agent        application.    -   Capture of a portion of or the entire screen of the agent        workstation.    -   Agent-directed co-browsing if a web page with links is present        on the agent workstation.

In addition, the agent application may allow an agent to move thesession window as a frame to encompass a given portion of theworkstation display and have a screen shot of that portion of thedisplay captured and sent to the caller.

Each time information is sent to the caller by the agent, optionalconfirmation can be provided to the agent indicating that theinformation was received by the caller. If an agent wants to transferthe call to a second agent at a separate workstation, the first agentmay return the session to a data structure in the session server 3000,allowing the second agent to retrieve it and re-establish the session.In another embodiment, session information may be provided to the secondagent to join the ongoing session.

Other agent application features may include:

-   -   Automatic joining of data connection with incoming phone call.    -   Processing of context-specific client information to agent        before answer.    -   Rolling session summary with session records.    -   Recovery of dropped data connections with session record to        maintain end-user conversation.

A traditional IVR 2120 may be modified for use in the present inventionby using a connection to a session gateway 4000 together with a softwaremodule on the IVR 2120. Such software module terminates the messageprotocol from the session gateway 4000 and provides a means for messagesto/from the session gateway 4000 to be relayed from/to the call scriptswhich control the call flow for each individual IVR 2120 port. Thisembodiment shields the IVR 2120 from having to know the intricacies ofdealing with the session server 3000 and end-user devices 1000. Theexisting call flow and script mechanisms in the IVR 2120 continue to beused and are augmented by visual content which can be delivered toend-users and data stimuli which can be received from end-users via thesession gateway 4000.

In another embodiment, the IVR 2120 may be modified to directlycommunicate with the session server 3000. In this instance, the agentapplication on the IVR 2120 will be responsible for translating incomingand outgoing messages and integrating these messages with the voice callflow programming.

Session Server Overview

Also shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 10 is a session server 3000. The sessionserver 3000 is configured to establish a data connection with end-userdevice 1000 and agent device 2100, and the session server 3000 is whatallows for data communications between the end-user device 1000 andagent device 2100. Moreover, the session server 3000 can connectend-user device 1000 and agent device 2100 for a data session, whereinthe end-user device 1000 and agent device 2100 can actively communicateover the data connection. Numerous types of data communications,including various types of data content (e.g., text messages, documents,images, videos, etc.), control messages, and system messages can be sentvia the session server 3000. It should be understood that for anend-user device 1000 and/or an agent device 2100 with separate voice anddata devices (e.g., where an end-user is using a cellular phone and alaptop computer, and/or an agent is using a computer terminal andlandline telephone), the session server 3000 connects a data deviceportion of the end-user device 1000 (e.g., the laptop computer) with adata device portion of the agent device 2100 (e.g., the computerterminal).

Data may be relayed through the session server 3000 using astore-and-forward approach or a data-streaming approach. In a preferredembodiment, a data streaming method is used in order to increase thedata transfer speed. The session server 3000 can allow one agent device2100 to be connected to multiple simultaneous end-user devices 1000, aswell as multiple agent devices 2100 to be connected with one end-userdevice 1000, and many-to-many sessions. This capability may be usefulfor presentation and training sessions involving multiple end-users orbridge-on of specialized agents or supervisors to handle complex clientinteractions. In some embodiments, the session server 3000 establishes asession but then is dropped from the connection and a direct connectionis formed between the agent device(s) 2100 and/or end-user(s) 1000(including a direct connection between end-users 1000).

In exemplary embodiments, the session server 3000 may include a datastructure or data structures for indexing end-users and agents. Forexample, the session server 3000 may comprise a data structure forend-users (or end-user connections) and a data structure for agents (oragent connections). The end-user data structure may be indexed by theend-user phone number received in an end-user notification. The sessionserver 3000 may use a target phone number (received in a session requestfrom an agent device 2100) to locate the proper end-user to connect anagent to. Similarly, account devices (e.g., agents or agent connections)may be indexed in an agent data structure by account numbers. Thesession server 3000 may use an account number in a payload associatedwith an end-user notification to identify the proper account device(s)to send the payload to. In these exemplary embodiments, indexing thedata structures based on information typically included in end-usernotifications and/or session requests allows the session server 3000 toidentify the end-user devices 1000 and agent devices 2100 to connect. Aprocessor in the session server 3000 may be used to control the datastructure.

Communication Protocol

An exemplary message protocols is provided herein. Those of skill in theart will recognize that this protocol may be changed and adaptedconsistent with the present invention.

The present example provides definitions for an exemplary messageprotocol that exists between end-user device(s) 1000, an agent device(s)2100, a session gateway 4000 and/or a session server 3000. Some samplemessages are included for reference purposes only. The prefix to everymessage is letter noted.

-   A Keep-alive message. A message needs to be sent within a specified    number of seconds. If no message is sent, then a keep-alive message    is needed to indicate that the end-user device and/or agent device    is still active. If the message time limit is exceeded, the    connection will be terminated.-   B Agent display information for a connected, or recently    disconnected, end-user. For example, payload information may be    included in a text only format, where sent strings get concatenated    on the session server for delivery to an agent.-   C End-user information is requested/returned.    -   For example, the agent application requests the payload/end-user        information from the session server using a session number and        account number:-   D This may be used for diagnostic information. A plain-text message    format may be used wherein the session server may further attach    date, timestamp, account number, and session number/end-user phone    number to each message.-   F File transfer. This message may be used to identify a file being    transferred.-   G Provides the session server with the ‘display name’ to be used by    the agent.-   H This message may be used to measure the turnaround time of a    message from the session server to the client and then back again.    When an end-user gets this message it should be sent back to the    session server as soon as possible. The turnaround time is used to    determine connection performance so that an agent device (such as an    IVR) can adjust the timing of voice and data communications.-   I Sent when an agent device (e.g., IVR) has ended a session. Closes    a session, even if the end-user is only in a disconnected state.-   K Primary session server login message, which may be used to obtain    a unique session port for the session server connection.-   L This message type may be used by an IVR to log into a session    gateway and establish a valid socket connection.-   N Network connection type (3G, EDGE, or WIFI) sent to the agent. The    network connection type may be used in combination with the    turnaround time message for timing purposes.-   O This message may be sent to the session server to set up a session    with an end-user, where the end-user has not specified an account    number but has specified (via the agent) an end-user phone number.-   P The unique session port to be used for the session's connection,    as returned from the session server following a valid K message    request.-   Q A Q-type message may be used by the session server for reporting    end-users in the data structure to agents with the associated    account number. The states, or connection status, of the agent    device may also be reported as ‘active’, ‘waiting’, or    ‘disconnected’.-   R An R-type message may be used by a session gateway to request that    a ‘potential’ incoming end-user be removed, or unassociated with the    account number.-   S Stop This is a stop session message. This message may be sent from    the end-user when a ‘normal’ termination is requested. This will    remove the entire end-user's information from the session server.-   T Plain text display data. Send by either the client or the agent    and then displayed as a plain text message by the other end.-   U URL of a valid Internet link. This may be sent by an agent and    processed by the client as a browser item for display.-   X Cancel session with specified end-user. This may be sent to the    session server from the end-user application to remove the specified    end-user from the current active session.-   Z Session request. A Z-type message may be used by an agent    application to request that the session server establish a session    with a specified end-user.

S Messages:

-   Snn Numerous session server messages (where nn stands for a    particular S message number) are defined. Such messages, which are    sent from the session server to agent devices and end-user devices,    are used to indicate changes in connection states, operational or    message content changes, and other status changes.

Examples of Establishing a Data Session

In general, the present invention provides a novel system and method forestablishing a data session between one or more end-user devices 1000and one or more agent devices 2100. Both the end-user device 1000 andthe agent device 2100 establish a connection with a session server 3000,and the session server 3000 then establishes a session between theend-user device 1000 and agent device 2100. The end-user device 1000only establishes a connection with the session server 3000 when needed.This allows the end-user to establish a connection when desired, withouthaving to constantly monitor for incoming pages or requests.

In order to establish the session, the session server 3000 receives anend-user notification that includes identifying information for theend-user device 1000, such as the end-user's phone number (or end-userphone number), and the session server 3000 receives a session requestfrom the agent device 2100, wherein the session request includesinformation identifying the end-user device 1000 the agent device 2100wishes to connect to. For example, in a preferred embodiment, thesession request from the agent device 2100 includes a target telephonenumber which specifies a telephone number associated with the end-userthe agent device 2100 wants to connect to. In one embodiment, the targettelephone number may be (automatically) received by the agent as part ofa voice call from the end-user. In another embodiment, the targettelephone number may be transmitted by the session server 3000 as partof a payload. A payload is data that includes information related to theend-user, such as browsing history or other context information, whichmay be used to help control processing of the end-user. This will bediscussed in greater detail below. By matching (i) the end-useridentifying information from an end-user notification with (ii) theend-user identifying information from a session request (e.g., matching(i) the end-user phone number from the end-user notification with (ii)the target phone number from the session request), the session server3000 can establish a session between an end-user device 1000 and agentdevice 2100. Additional features, options and exemplary embodiments aredescribed in further detail below.

Data Session and a Voice Call

FIG. 11 is a general flowchart illustrating an exemplary methodconsistent with the present invention. The flowchart is arranged basedon the perspectives of the end-user side (e.g., end-user device 1000),the session server 3000, and the account side or the agent side (e.g.,agent device(s) 2100, call center infrastructure).

The account side is used to refer to the account devices that areassociated with a certain account. For example, ‘account devices’includes not only the agent devices 2100 that connect to the end-user,but also the other infrastructure that has been developed to handle callprocessing for a certain account. As used here, an account may representa certain business, a business unit within a business, a specificproduct line within a business, etc. In one scenario, an account mayrepresent an entire bank. In another scenario, a bank may have separateaccounts for its mortgage business unit, its checking/savings businessunit, and its credit card business units. In yet another scenario, abank may have separate accounts for each of multiple credit cards itprovides. For the voice call portion of a communication, certain dialedtelephone numbers may be associated with the account in order to controlvoice-call processing. For the present invention, an account number maybe used to identify the agent workstations 2110 with live agentsspecially trained for handling certain customers and/or the IVRs 2120that have been programmed to process certain calls. A certain callcenter (and the account devices and agent devices 2100 included therein)may be associated with a single account or multiple different accounts.For example, an IVR 2120 may include programming such that it can handlevoice calls and data sessions for various accounts. Similarly, liveagents may be trained, and provided with call scripts, to handlemultiple different accounts. Moreover, agent devices 2100 and liveagents may be configured to handle multiple different types of inquiriesfor the same account (e.g., an account may include multiple differentproduct lines which each require different call processing in an IVR2120 or different treatment by a live agent). Put differently, for asingle account an IVR 2120 may be programmed to handle various differenttypes of voice calls and/or data sessions, and live agents may betrained, and provided with call scripts, to handle different types ofend-user communications.

In order for the account side to establish a connection with the sessionserver 3000, at least one account device needs to establish a connectionwith the session server 3000. In one embodiment, the agent devices 2100will establish the connection to the session server 3000. In someembodiments, however, it may be preferential to have other accountdevices, such as a CTI server establish a connection with the sessionserver 3000 in order to receive payload information that can be used tocontrol processing of a voice call. For purposes of the exemplaryembodiment in FIG. 11, an agent device 2100 is connected to the sessionserver 3000. For this embodiment, an agent application on the agentdevice 2100 is launched. This could be in response to a live agentstarting an agent application on an agent workstation 2110, or an IVR2120 opening an agent application on the IVR 2120 during startup or inresponse to some external command. In some embodiments, the IVR 2120 mayalso need to establish a connection with the session gateway 4000. Foreach available phone port on the IVR 2120, there is an associatedvirtual agent device 2100 on the session gateway 4000 which interactswith the end-user device 1000 based on instructions from the IVR 2120.After the agent application is launched, a connection between the agentdevice 2100 and the session server 3000 can be established. In someembodiments, it may be necessary for the agent device 2100 to log-on tothe session server 3000 in order to validate the agent device 2100 (thismay include authenticating a live agent at an agent workstation 2110).

In the flow chart in FIG. 11, an agent device 2100 transmits a log-onrequest and connects to the session server 3000. In one example, theagent device 2100 and session server 3000 could establish a temporaryconnection such that login credentials can be transmitted to the sessionserver 3000 and then authenticated by the session server 3000 before aconnection is established. For example, in the case of a live agent,login credentials may comprise the live agent's username, real name,password, location, etc; and in the case of an IVR 2120, an agentprofile may comprise a device name, account information, password,device type, etc. When the log-on request is transmitted to the sessionserver 3000, the login credentials may be transmitted as well in orderto provide information to qualify the agent device 2100 for connection.In another embodiment, the login request may be transmitted first andthe session server 3000 may temporarily connect and interact with theagent device 2100 in order to request certain qualification information(e.g., the session server 3000 may send requests for a username andpassword and, after receiving responses, determine whether to connect tothe agent device 2100).

Before, after, or during the time when the agent device 2100 isconnecting to the session server 3000 an end-user may call an accountphone number associated with the account side. This voice call may thenbe received by the account side for call processing. In a preferredembodiment, the end-user phone number will be automatically received bythe account side. For example, the account side may automaticallyreceive Caller-ID or ANI for the voice call. The end-user phone numbermay be automatically received by the agent device 2100 itself, or byanother structure on the account side (such as a PBX/ACD) which passesthe automatically received end-user phone number to the agent device.This may be done directly (e.g., PBX/ACD passes ANI directly to agentdevice when transferring call) or indirectly (e.g., PBX/ACD saves theANI in a CTI server which associates the ANI with the voice call suchthat the agent device can acquire the ANI from the CIT structureseparately). In other embodiments, the end-user phone number may not bereceived automatically but may instead be requested from the end-user.For example, if ANI was not received properly, or at all, an IVR 2120may request an end-user to provide the end-user telephone number overthe voice call (e.g., via DTMF or voice entry). A live agent may make asimilar request and then input the end-user phone number into the agentworkstation 2110. In some instances, the ANI received may represent abilling phone number for the end-user, but not the end-user (e.g., whenthe end-user is calling from behind a PBX). The account side maysimilarly be required to request the end-user phone number in such acase.

During, before, or after the voice call, an end-user application on theend-user device 1000 may be launched. The launch of the end-userapplication may be in response to the end-user starting the application,or the application automatically launching in response to an end-user'sInternet browsing activity (described in greater detail below). Afterthe initial launch of the end-user application, the end-user profile maybe acquired. An end-user profile may be acquired in many different ways.For example, the first time an end-user uses the end-user application,the end-user may be asked to enter information to setup an end-userprofile. During later uses, the end-user profile may be automaticallyacquired from memory. If multiple end-users use the same device (or ifthe end-user application is running on a data device that can be used bythe same end-user from various voice devices with different end-userphone numbers), acquiring the end-user profile may include requestingthat the end-user select an end-user profile from a menu of end-userprofiles. In another embodiment, the end-user may be requested to entersome initial information which the end-user application can use toacquire the end-user profile. In yet another embodiment, the end-userapplication may automatically generate an end-user profile by acquiringa end-user phone number associated with the end-user device 1000 onwhich the end-user application is running.

An end-user profile is a collection of identification information forthe end-user. A basic end-user profile may include only the end-userphone number. A more detailed end-user profile may also include name,address, end-user account information (e.g., the end-user's accountnumber with certain businesses), credit card information, geographiclocation, etc. Additional information can be optionally assigned anddesignated by the end-user. In order to protect the end-user's privacy,certain information in the end-user profile may be protected (such aspassword protected) such that access may be controlled.

Once the end-user application is launched, an end-user notification,including the end-user telephone number, may be sent to the sessionserver 3000. In some embodiments, the end-user notification may includeadditional information identifying the end-user and the end-user device1000, including in some cases providing the end-user profile or aportion of the end-user profile. In additional exemplary embodiments,the end-user notification may further include information about theend-user device 1000 that may be used by the session server 3000 or theagent device 2100 to vary the information communicated to the end-user.For example, if the end-user notification specifies that the end-userdevice 1000 is a touch screen the instructions to the end-user may bedifferent than if the end-user device 1000 does not have a touch screen.During the session, additional information, such as the data networkbeing used by the caller and the round-trip delay on the connection, mayalso be provided. In one example, this information may be used by an IVR2120 to adjust the timing of voice/data scripts. Once the end-usernotification is received by the session server 3000, the session server3000 can connect to the end-user device 1000 and add the end-userconnection to a data structure in the session server 3000 (such as adata structure indexed by the end-user phone number). In the preferredembodiment, the session server 3000 can establish a persistentconnection with the end-user device 1000.

Referring to the embodiment in FIG. 11, and turning back to the accountside, after the end-user phone number is received by the account side anagent device 2100 may transmit a session request to the session server3000. The session request includes a target telephone number, which isbased on the received end-user telephone number (e.g., ANI, the numberreceived from the end-user, etc.). When the session request is receivedby the session server 3000, the session server 3000 checks the datastructure for end-users for an end-user device 1000 with an end-userphone number that matches the target telephone number. Once a match islocated, the session server 3000 establishes a session for the end-userdevice 1000 and the agent device 2100.

In some exemplary embodiment, the session server 3000 may create asession identification for the session. In a preferred embodiment, thesession identification may include information to allow the end-userdevice 1000 or the agent device 2100 to reconnect to the session if theend-user device 1000 and/or the agent device 2100 loses dataconnectivity. For example, if the end-user is using a smartphone andtemporarily loses data connectivity, the session server 3000 couldreconnect the smartphone to the agent device 2100 once the dataconnection is restored. In one embodiment, the session server 3000 willretain a session for two minutes before deleting the sessioninformation. In another embodiment, the session information may includeother information about the session, such as session start time, endtime, participants, how the session was established, volume of datatransfer, etc., which may be logged and used for use metrics and/orbilling purposes (e.g., to allow accounts to be billed on a use basis).

A session may be terminated in various manners. For example, a sessionmay time out due to either the agent device 2100 or the end-user device1000 being disconnected for a certain period of time (e.g., more thantwo minutes). In addition, the session may be actively terminated byeither the end-user device 1000 or the agent device 2100. In oneembodiment, the end-user device 1000 and/or the agent device 2100 mayinclude an option that allows for terminating the session. Typically,this allows the agent to end the session once the voice call and datasession are complete.

In one exemplary scenario, an end-user on a landline telephone may callto order a product out of a magazine. The call is delivered to a callcenter where it is received by a PBX/ACD and placed in a queue. Theend-user phone number is also received by the call center and associatedwith the call. When a live agent is available, the call is transferredto the live agent with the end-user phone number. Either the live agentor the end-user may ask about the ability to start a data session withthe call. In this scenario, the end-user must launch the end-userapplication from a data device, such as a home computer. In a scenariowhere the end-user called from a device that was capable of voice anddata, the end-user could launch the end-user application from the phone.Once the end-user launches the end-user application, the end-userapplication might ask the end-user to enter the phone number for thedevice he is using, or select an end-user profile that already has thisinformation. After the end-user application knows what end-user phonenumber the end-user is using, an end-user notification can betransmitted to the session server 3000.

During, after, or before the end-user notification is sent, the liveagent can initiate the agent application to send a session request tothe session server 3000. Before sending the session request, the liveagent could confirm the end-user phone number which was automaticallyreceived, ask for the end-user phone number and manually enter it, orjust send the session request based on the automatically received ANI.In this scenario, it is presumed that the agent workstation 2110 wasalready connected to/logged into the session server 3000. After thesession server 3000 has both the end-user notification (and is connectedto the end-user device 1000) and the session request (and is connectedto the agent device 2100) the session server 3000 can establish a datasession by matching the end-user phone number and the target phonenumber.

Once the session has been established, both the end-user and the liveagent can use the session to share data and improve call processing. Forexample, the original purpose for the call in this scenario was theend-user's interest in ordering a certain product. The live agent couldprovide images of the product to confirm that s/he is placing the properorder on behalf of the end-user. Moreover, the live agent may sendcertain inquiries over the data session and receive end-user responsesin that fashion, rather than the live agent having to verbally inquireand manually enter all responses. In addition, the data session may beused to display advertisements for related products or services thatmight interest the end-user given the current purchase. Once the orderis finished, the data session may be further used to automaticallytransmit an ordering receipt to the end-user. The end-user could thensave this receipt. For end-users concerned with sharing their email withcompanies, the data session will allow for the end-user to receivecertain documents and other files without having to share anything morethan the end-user phone number (which is generally shared automaticallyjust by making the call).

Transmitting Payload for Improved End-User Processing

Now referring to FIG. 12 there is an exemplary flow chart consistentwith another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to FIG. 11,FIG. 12 shows a flow chart for an agent device 2100 connecting to asession server 3000. In this embodiment, however, the launch of theend-user application, acquiring the end-user profile and the initialtransmission from the end-user device 1000 to the session server 3000,differ in that a payload is also included. A payload is data thatincludes information related to the end-user, such as browsing historyor other context information. In addition, the payload includes anaccount number. When the session server 3000 receives the payload, thesession server 3000 checks the account number and then transmits thepayload to the proper account (this may include transmitting the payloadto an IVR 2120 or agent workstation 2110, or transmitting the payload toa CTI server or other device which could store the payload for laterassociation with a voice call from the end-user). In this embodiment,because the session server 3000 knows what account the end-usernotification request relates to, the session server 3000 can deliver theend-user notification and payload to a group of IVRs 2120, orworkstations 2110. In this case, one particular agent device 2100 canthen select the end-user notification. In one scenario, the agent device2100 that selects the end-user notification (e.g., “picks up” the datasession) may be the agent device 2100 that is selected to receive thevoice call. In another scenario, the earliest available agent device2100 will select the end-user notification and then inform the PBX/ACDto route the incoming voice call to it. When an agent side receives thepayload, the payload can be associated with the end-user phone number.The association between the payload and the end-user phone numberenables many different uses. For example, an agent device 2100 maytransmit a session request with a target phone number matching theend-user phone number to the session server 3000. If the end-user isstill connected to the session server 3000, or if the end-user has notbeen disconnected from the server for too long a period, the sessionserver 3000 can establish a session for the agent device 2100 and theend-user device 1000. If the end-user is temporarily disconnected, thesession server 3000 can connect the end-user device 1000 to the sessiononce the end-user device 1000 regains data connectivity and connects tothe session server 3000. Establishing a data session with the end-userbefore the voice call has been received may allow for some preliminaryprocessing of the end-user even before any voice call connection.Moreover, the data session may be used to do preliminary processingwhile an end-user's voice call is on hold waiting for the next availablelive agent.

In another embodiment, the payload may be stored until the voice call isreceived. Once the voice call is received, the payload may be associatedwith the voice call in order to control call processing. For example,information in the payload may be used to determine whether to route thecall to an IVR 2120 or to a live agent. Or the payload may be used toselect a call flow within an IVR 2120. Here, selecting the call flowrefers broadly to the ability to select a starting point within a callprocessing program on the IVR 2120. For example, rather than startingthe end-user with general prompts used to determine the reason for theend-user's voice call, the payload could be used to bypass those initialprompts and start the end-user with a menu that more specificallyaddresses the purpose of the end-user's call.

For example, in one embodiment consistent with the present invention anend-user may be browsing a website for a desired product. If theend-user has a question about the product, or wishes to order theproduct, the end-user can click on a provided account link on thewebsite which causes the end-user application to launch, acquireend-user profile information (such as end-user phone number), andtransmit a data packet with information about the website the end-userwas viewing (the payload) and an end-user notification to the sessionserver 3000. In this scenario the payload includes an account numberassociated that identifies the call center and account devices thathandle voice calls and data sessions for the website the end-user wasviewing. In some scenarios, the company that runs the website may bedifferent than the company that sells and distributes the product thecaller is interested in. In such a scenario, the account number mayidentify a call center and account devices that handle voice calls anddata sessions for the product the end-user was viewing. The sessionserver 3000 may use this account number in order to transmit the payloadto the associated account (e.g., the account which handles calls forthat website, or the account that handles calls for the product).

If the end-user is on an end-user device 1000 that supports both voiceand data connectivity, the account link may further cause the end-userdevice 1000 to dial a certain account phone number. For some devices,this may require that the end-user device 1000 terminate the end-userapplication in order to call the account phone number. In other devices,the end-user application may continue to run while the end-user device1000 calls the account phone number. In further devices, the end-userapplication may need to be only temporarily terminated while the voicecall is initiated but may be re-launched. In yet other embodiments,where the end-user device 1000 comprises a separate data device andvoice call device, the end-user application may provide the end-userwith a phone number to call using the voice call device.

In further exemplary embodiments, a data session can first beestablished between the end-user and the agent device 2100, and then theagent device 2100 can initiate a call to the end-user. The initiation ofthe call may be automatically performed using the end-user phone numberreceived from the session server 3000. Or the initiation of the call maybe manually performed by a live agent at an agent workstation 2110.

Returning to the scenario where the end-user calls the agent side, whenthe voice call is received by the agent side, the end-user telephonenumber received with the voice call may be used to determine if apayload is available for the end-user. In the preferred case, theend-user phone number associated with the voice call is automaticallydetermined (such as through ANI) so that the payload may be used toimmediately control processing of the call. For example, if the productthe end-user was viewing was a high-end product, the customer could berouted to live agents specially trained for preferred customers.Alternatively, the end-user voice call may be delivered to an IVR 2120where the payload is used to select the call flow for the end-user. Forexample, rather than the call flow starting by asking which product theend-user is interested in, the IVR 2120 would already know which productthe end-user is interested in and could select a call flow that startswith cues and messages directed at the product the end-user was viewingon the website. By selecting this starting point, the IVR 2120 selects acall flow which saves time for the end-user and saves IVR 2120 callprocessing time.

In the case where simultaneous voice and data are not possible, theend-user side and agent side will still benefit by improved callprocessing due to the payload which was delivered to the agent sidethrough the session server 3000. In the case where simultaneous voiceand data are possible, the end-user phone number can also be used toestablish a session with the end-user device 1000. The session may beused to direct menu selections to the end-user, show the end-useradditional information (such as additional pictures about the productfrom the website), etc. If the call is transferred to an agentworkstation 2110 the agent workstation 2110 may be provided with theend-user phone number such that the agent workstation 2110 can beconnected to the session. In such instances, the session may havefurther advantages of allowing the end-user to enter sensitiveinformation (such as social security numbers, credit card numbers,health information, etc.) into the phone so that the end-user does nothave to verbally share it with the live agent. Moreover, the live agentwill be equally (and probably more) capable than an IVR 2120 atproviding visual information the end-user is interested in.

While the product website example discusses providing an account link ona website, the account link has numerous other uses and implementations.For example, advertising materials, bills, and other files may beprovided to potential consumer with embedded account links (e.g.,hyperlinks) that allow an end-user to initiate a call to the accountwhile also transmitting a payload to the account which may be used tocontrol the processing of the call. For example, many modern customerswho receive their bills by email may be provided a bill with an imbedded“Pay My Bill” account link which automatically directs the end-user tothe proper phone number, and transmits a payload to (the session server3000 and then to) the account such that when the voice call is received,the agent device 2100 can process the call more quickly (e.g., put theend-user directly into the bill pay portion of the IVR 2120 script, ordirect the end-user immediately to live agents that help with bill pay).Similarly, a PDF advertisement promoting certain Mother's Day FlowerBouquets may have an embedded account link for each bouquet that whenclicked causes the end-user device 1000 to send a payload and dial aspecific telephone number associated with the advertisement. Both thespecific telephone number and the payload may then be used by theaccount to make call processing more efficient.

In yet another embodiment, an end-user could be provided with aconfirmation email after ordering a product, where the email includes a“Check on the Status of My Order” account link. In this embodiment, thepayload may be used to direct the voice call to a live agent speciallytrained for handling status checks. Moreover, the payload may allow thelive agent to access the particular end-user's order status and send anupdate to the end-user, via the data session, all before the voice callstarts. If the order is a special order, the customer service agent maybe able to show the end-user pictures or other documents to ensure theend-user is happy with the order status. If the end-user wishes to savethe files for later use or for records keeping, the end-user applicationmay be used to save files, screen shots, and other information sharedduring the session.

It may also be noted that an end-user device 1000 may use different dataconnection paths during different periods (during this and otherexamples). For example, an end-user on a smartphone may browse theInternet using a local Wi-Fi connection and click on an embedded accountlink for a certain product. As discussed above, the account link cancause the end-user application to launch and transmit the end-usernotification and payload to the session server 3000 using the Wi-Ficonnection. After the notification and payload have been sent, however,the smartphone may switch to a cellular based connection for making thevoice call and may also switch to the cellular connection forestablishing, or re-establishing, a connection with the session server3000.

IVR Connection

FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention showingvarious possible communications between an end-user 1000, a sessionserver 3000, an IVR 2120 and/or a session gateway 4000. In STEP 1 theend-user initiates a call to an account phone number associated with IVR2120 and the call is delivered (via a PSTN or other voice-network) tothe IVR 2120. In STEP 2A the IVR 2120 transmits certain voice messagesto the end-user (via a PSTN or other voice-network). For example, theIVR 2120 may transmit a welcome message and initial cues prompting theend-user to identify whether the end-user is interested in a datasession to accompany the voice call. In another example, the IVR 2120will not check with the end-user but instead will automatically checkwith the session server 3000 to see if a data session connection isalready available without needing to inquire with the end-user.

In STEP 2B the IVR 2120 may notify the gateway of the incoming call. Insome embodiments, this notification may comprise a session request whichincludes an account number associated with the call (e.g., determined bythe DNIS for the call) and a target phone number for the call (e.g.,determined by ANI for the call). In STEP 3 (which may take place beforeor after the other steps) the end-user device 1000 sends an end-usernotification to the session server 3000, including the end-user phonenumber associated with the voice call with the IVR 2120. In one example,STEP 3 may be in response to the communication from the IVR 2120 in STEP2A. In another example, STEP 3 may be performed before the call isinitiated in STEP 1. In response to STEP 3, the session server 3000 andend-user device 1000 may establish a connection that can be added to adata structure in the IVR 2120.

In this embodiment, at STEP 3B the session gateway 4000 relays thesession request from the IVR 2120 to the session server 3000. In someembodiments, the session gateway 4000 and the session server 3000 mayhave a multiplexed, persistent connection. The session server 3000 maymatch the target telephone number in the session request with theend-user telephone number from the notification request (such as bycomparing entries in data structures for end-user devices 1000 and agentdevices 2100). After matching the end-user connection and sessionrequest, in STEPS 4A and 4B the session server 3000 reports back amessage to the end-user device 1000 and the session gateway 4000 (whichin STEP 5B reports back to the IVR 2120), wherein the message indicatesa session has been established. After the session has been established,the IVR 2120 and end-user may engage in linked communications over thePSTN (voice) and through the session server 3000 (data).

In some embodiments, it may be preferential for the connectionperformance to be assessed. On mobile devices, there are widedifferences in performance between WiFi and 3G connections, sometimes asgreat as a factor of 14 in turnaround times between agent device 2100and end-user device 1000. To compensate for this, an embodiment of theinvention is to assess connection performance and provide suchinformation to both live agents and IVRs 2120. Especially in the case ofIVRs 2120, timing is critical between stimulus generation by an end-userand receipt of the response, which is typically a visual display sentfrom the IVR 2120.

In one embodiment, the connection performance is assessed in two ways:(1) obtaining the connection type from the end-user device 1000 (e.g.,WiFi or ATT) through use of a defined message and (2) by automaticallysending a short text message, or series of short text messages, from thesession server 3000 to the end-user device 1000 and back, anddetermining the turnaround time.

Both parameters are made available to the agent side so that agentapplications can adjust their capabilities to the connection performanceof the end-user device 1000. For live agents, the parameters aredisplayed together with other payload data. For IVRs 2120, theparameters are passed from the session gateway 4000 to the IVR 2120 andare used by the IVR 2120 to adjust speed of response and timeoutintervals and anticipate content delivery performance to the end-userdevice 1000. For example, in order for the IVR to properly coordinatevoice messages and data messages, the IVR must be able to determine adelivery time (the time it takes for a message to be delivered to anend-user device). This need not be an exact determination, but insteadis a sufficient approximation in order to better coordinate and timemessages. In another example, the agent device may adjust thecommunication capabilities (e.g., the types of data messages that can besent, the amount of messages that can be sent, the expected responsetime for messages, etc.) based on the performance of the session.

Once the session is established, the end-user may use the definedprotocol to send data messages (such as selected menu elements orcontent of data fields) to the IVR 2120 via the session server 3000. Thesession server 3000 forwards these messages to the session gateway 4000,where the messages and their content are processed and appropriateinformation is relayed to the IVR 2120 in the message protocol for theIVR 2120.

The IVR 2120 may then analyze the data (in view of any communicationsover the PSTN) and respond with a data message to the end-user device1000 (such as further inquiries, instructions, or information). Insending the response, the IVR 2120 will send data instructions and/ordisplay content to the session gateway 4000. This may be done using XMLrequests readily available for standard IVR 2120 software techniques.The data instructions and/or display content may then be processed andsent to the session server 3000 using the defined protocol. The sessionserver 3000 will use its existing software (modified for multiplexedoperations) to forward messages to the end-user.

INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

The methods and systems described herein have numerous industryapplications and uses. While some of these uses are described herein,additional examples will be understood by those of skill in the artbased on the present disclosure. By way of example only, the followingare some examples of how embodiments of the present invention may beused to improve all kinds of transactions between information providersand end-users.

e-commerce. By definition, consumers are interested in buying productsand services and are often interested in communicating with a salesrepresentative for making purchases. By tapping an account link on awebsite, an end-user can be transferred to a live agent along withpayload information identifying the context of the call and/orinformation related to the caller. The sales representative knows how toanswer the call, can more likely close the sale, and has an easier timeupselling through the use of visual information. The agent can send acoupon to be used online or in a store in order to build customersatisfaction, loyalty, and sales of slow moving inventory.

Technical Support.

Technicians and other end-users in the field at times need complexinformation including diagrams, schematics, and detailed installationinstructions. Especially in a situation where Internet access is notavailable or inconvenient from a computer, a voice call can be initiatedfrom a smartphone or mobile device to a Technical Support center thatcan establish a data session. The data session can be combined with thevoice call in order to provide additional data files, visual guides,instruction sheets, etc. In some embodiments, a smartphone or mobiledevice may have a specific support application that creates a datasession and voice communication consistent with the present invention.In other embodiments, a user may be able to go to a support link (anaccount link) on a company's website in order to initiate a technicalsupport call and data session. In embodiments where a payload istransferred to the technical support center, the information may allowthe live or automated agent to answer the call appropriately. The agentcan then sends files, diagrams, and visual instructions to assist withinstallation, troubleshooting, and service. The combination of bothvoice instructions and visual information can allow for more efficientand accurate support operations.

Customer Support.

Customers are the most important asset of any business. Whether seekingorder status, answers to questions, resolution of problems, additionalpurchases, or other service information, customers require attention. Byproviding visual information along with a voice or text only supportcall, the present invention provides a cost-effective approach tosupport customers that stimulates repeat business and referrals. Neededinformation is more quickly provided. Call handling times are reduced.

Complex Information Sharing.

Intricate and urgent information can be shared more accurately,directly, and quickly with and between end-user. Financial, medical,pharmaceutical, technical, educational, gaming, operational, and otherkinds of information in various visual and audio formats can betransferred directly between parties.

Entertainment.

Reserve your tickets more efficiently and view the open seats. In onescenario, a caller may be discussing seating options with an agent. Inorder to allow the caller to better view the venue layout, a datasession may be used to quickly and effectively provide this informationto the caller.

Hospitality.

Book a room, cruise, flight, or vehicle and receive visual confirmationalong with other helpful information. Resort guests can receive anautomated call along with the visuals and coupons for the specials atthe prime dining facilities. Moreover, electronic boarding passes,confirmation numbers, itineraries, calendar items and other files can betransferred to, and saved by, the end-user for later use and reference.

Insurance.

Claims can be processed more effectively with the present invention. Theinsured calls the insurer when there is an accident. The insurer sendsinstructions of what to and what not to do along with an voiceexplanation. Other applications on the end-user device 1000, such as acamera application, may allow the end-user to quickly and effectivelyprovide additional information to an insurance carrier.

Financial Services.

A broker can transfer in real time detailed visual information ofvarious investment options for consideration while explaining theadvantages.

Medical and Emergency Preparedness.

A physician or nurse can send urgent medical information to remotepatients in the field and talk through it with them. These instructionscan be saved to the mobile device for further review and futurereference. The patient will more likely be able to handle theemergencies resulting in fewer medical complications and expenses.

These industry applications are exemplary only and should in no way beread to limit the present invention.

In conclusion, the present invention provides, among other things, asystem and method for linking voice and data communications. Thoseskilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations andsubstitutions may be made in the invention, its use and itsconfiguration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved bythe embodiments described herein. Accordingly, there is no intention tolimit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations,modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope andspirit of the disclosed invention as expressed in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for data communication with an end user,the method comprising: connecting to an agent device; receiving a datasession request from the agent device, wherein the data session requestcomprises a target telephone number; establishing a data session with anend-user device associated with the target telephone number; andtransmitting data messages between the end-user device and the agentdevice using the data session.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinestablishing the data session with the agent device comprisesestablishing the data session through an Internet server; and whereintransmitting data messages to the end-user device comprises transmittingdata messages through a URL page.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinestablishing the data session with the end-user device compriseslocating the end-user device associated with the target telephonenumber.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: receiving anend-user notification from the end-user device, wherein the end-usernotification includes an end-user telephone number; and wherein locatingthe end-user device comprises matching the target telephone number fromthe data session request with the end-user telephone number from theend-user notification.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein transmittingdata messages between the end-user device and the agent device comprisesusing a web page.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein transmitting datamessages between the end-user device and the agent device comprises theend-user device and the agent device co-browsing the web page.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: establishing an end-userconnection with the end-user device; and adding the end-user connectionto a data structure.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein establishing thedata session with the end user device comprises searching the datastructure to locate the end-user connection with the end-user telephonenumber matching the target telephone number.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising: creating a session identification for the session,wherein the session identification identifies the session.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the session identification includesinformation to allow the end-user device and/or the at least one agentdevice to reconnect to the session if the end-user device and/or theagent device loses data connectivity.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinthe agent device is an IVR.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: compiling session data during the data session between theend-user device and the IVR.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: transferring the session data to an agent workstation.
 14. Anon-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions forperforming data communication with an end user, the method comprising:connecting to an agent device; receiving a data session request from theagent device, wherein the data session request comprises a targettelephone number; establishing a data session with an end-user deviceassociated with the target telephone number; and transmitting datamessages between the end-user device and the agent device using the datasession.
 15. The computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein:connecting to an agent device comprises connecting to an agent deviceusing an Internet server; and transmitting data messages to the end-userdevice comprises transmitting data messages through a URL page.
 16. Thecomputer readable medium of claim 15, wherein establishing the datasession with the end-user device comprises locating the end-user deviceassociated with the target telephone number.
 17. The computer readablemedium of claim 16, further comprising: receiving an end-usernotification from the end-user device, wherein the end-user notificationincludes an end-user telephone number; and wherein locating the end-userdevice comprises matching the target telephone number from the datasession request with the end-user telephone number from the end-usernotification.
 18. The computer readable medium of claim 14, whereintransmitting data messages between the end-user device and the agentdevice comprises the end-user device and the agent device co-browsing aweb page.
 19. A method for data communication with an end user, themethod comprising: connecting a data session server to an agent device;receiving a data session request from the agent device, wherein the datasession request comprises a target telephone number; establishing a datasession between the agent device and the data session server, whereinthe data session is established through an Internet server gateway;connecting the data session server to an end-user device, wherein theend-user device is associated with the target telephone number;establishing the data session between the end-user device and the datasession server; and transmitting data messages between the end-userdevice and the agent device using the data session.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein transmitting data messages to the end-user devicecomprises transmitting data messages through a URL page.